Shaun [Kona] Ross' Nightmare Orchards was actually designed for Quake but converted to Quake2 so that it could be finished. As a result, this is a very Quake themed level and the 'theme' is what it seems Kona has mastered. A fun map, chock-full of enough baddies to keep even the most veteran FPS fan contented. Borrowing heavily on textures from Rune, Hexen II & Daikatana, Shaun has created a map that plays like the best of the original Quake levels, but has only a few short-comings in Quake 2.

 

For example, when coming out of one of the main areas I scaled the cliffs to find a better sniping-spot and I noticed an area where another part of the levels bleeds through the chosen skybox (see screenshot ->). Aside from simple statistics, the Q2 F1 help panel offers no updates or goals which I feel would have only accentuated this level. Sounds seem rather low, I tested the map without the soundtrack CD and it was almost silent in some places taking from the realism that does, in fact exist in this map.

 

Aside from those minor points, Nightmare Orchards is a great level and one that should be played by all Quake 2 fans. The tweaked textures offer a new twist on the old Strogg mythos and items were well-placed throughout the level resulting in quick 'up and down, twist and turn' type gameplay. r_speeds gave me no problem and the level plays very smooth with great flow and one secret area for all you treasure hunters who absolutely have to explore every nook and cranny of a game map.

 

So, here's Baal-Peor's score of 8 of 10 with points only being knocked off for the above-mentioned issues. A great map, recommended for all! Comparable to Quake original levels. (2.53 mb)